Away With the Manger

Away With the Manger

Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases through these links may earn us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.
Description

It began with a letter. Jackson Grim, newspaper columnist, was wading through his usual pile of hate mail from gun owners, religious wackos, and fans of a political talk show when he found it. The letter writer regretted the decision of the Hartville City Council to ban a manger scene on the front lawn of City Hall unless other "Winter Holiday" symbols (Santa, reindeer, snowpersons) were included in the display. Though he was not a religious man himself, Jackson decided to print the letter in his column—a decision he quickly came to regret.

This story of Christmas in the culture wars reveals a town thrown into mayhem by rhetoric on all sides when everyone from the town's leading atheist, Diedra Freep, to Pastor Marty is drawn into the debate. You will be amused and surprised by the events that follow, and you may even find your heart strangely warmed.

Reviews
"Chris Fabry is a wonderful storyteller. His book offers great entertainment coupled with a spiritual wallop."
— Chuck Colson

"We never, never, NEVER endorse other people's novels . . . so how soon does the movie come out, anyway?"
— Brock & Bodie Thoene

"Wildly funny to start with—stunningly sobering at the end."
— Elisabeth Elliot

"Chris Fabry's skill is to be funny and wise at once. By a genuine, gentle humor he calls believers to believe the deep message of Christmas. . . . Read this book for Christmas when it is not Christmas."
— Walter Wangerin

"Reading instructions: Read from beginning to end. Breathe a prayer. Listen carefully for inner response."
— Janette Oke

What Readers Are Saying . . .

  • "A tender coming-of-age story of first love, innocence lost, and the soul-freeing power of truth."

    Charles Martin, New York Times bestselling author, on The Promise of Jesse Woods

  • "In this edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense, all of the characters ring true."

    BOOKLIST on Borders of the Heart

  • "A mesmerizing tale . . . [Almost Heaven] will surprise readers in the best possible way; plot twists unfold and unexpected character transformations occur throughout this tender story."

    PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "Engrossing and entertaining . . . [an] unforgettable tale."

    ROMANTIC TIMES on June Bug

  • "Every Waking Moment has depth and beauty. I really don't think I could say enough good things about this novel. It's thrilling. It's poignant. It's touching. It's deep. It's beautiful. And it should be read."

    LIFEISSTORY.COM

  • "[June Bug] is a stunning success, and readers will find themselves responding with enthusiastic inner applause."

    PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

  • "Once again, Chris Fabry's brilliance in developing full-fleshed characters within a thrilling, yet poignant and sometimes painful story has captivated my heart and mind."

    FICTIONADDICT.COM on Every Waking Moment

  • "[Every Waking Moment] has authentic characters, a compelling narrative, and a complex exploration of the brokenness and hope of human life."

    Susannah Clements, department chair of literature, Regent University

  • ""Writing in his trademark lyrical style, Fabry spins a poignant tale about our society's invisible seniors and the woman and man who see their potential."

    BOOKLIST on Every Waking Moment

  • "I haven't read anything so riveting and unforgettable since Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Fabry has penned a remarkable love story, one that's filled with sacrifice, hope, and forgiveness!"

    NOVEL REVIEWS on June Bug

  • "A character-driven tale of dignity and compassion for those who seem to have lost importance to society . . . this thought-provoking read challenges the prevailing cultural calculations of the value of a person's life."

    PUBLISHERS WEEKLY on Every Waking Moment